Tag: Chargers roster

4 undrafted free agents who could make Chargers 2021 roster

The Los Angeles Chargers have had a great amount of success on bringing in hidden gems that went undrafted.

The Chargers added nine new members throughout the course of the weekend in the 2021 NFL draft. Following the event itself, they notched an additional 10 undrafted free agents who will all be fighting for a spot.

Los Angeles has had a great amount of success on bringing in hidden gems that went undrafted, including safety Adrian Phillips, tight end Antonio Gates and running back Austin Ekeler.

With that, here are four that could see their names on the 53-man roster when the 2021 season rolls around.

 

PFF ranks Chargers roster ahead of 2021 NFL draft

Find out how Pro Football Focus feels about the Chargers roster heading into the 2021 NFL draft.

The 2021 NFL draft is just five days away.

With nine picks (at the moment), the Chargers roster will have a slight makeover under first-year head coach Brandon Staley.

But before that, Pro Football Focus’ Anthony Treash ranked Los Angeles’ roster, along with the other 31 teams in the league as they stand right now.

It’s worth noting the list was “heavily influenced by the two-year PFF WAR (wins above replacement) of the players, but also had some subjective projection involved for those younger, emerging talents.”

Treash ranked the Bolts’ roster at No. 25 but added that the team ranks 12th in draft capital.

The Chargers’ offensive line has undergone a complete makeover this offseason, and understandably so; the 2020 group was the second-lowest-graded of the last decade. New signees Corey Linsley and Matt Feiler, along with a healthy Bryan Bulaga, should move this group closer to average and help quarterback Justin Herbert avoid major regression in Year 2, as a lot of his rookie success came in unstable areas like pressured passing. The concerns really lie on the defensive side of the ball. Edge defender Joey Bosa and Derwin James are both clearly among the best at their respective positions when healthy, but things look rough outside of those two. The Chargers rank among the bottom five teams in the NFL when it comes to 2020 WAR on their current defense.

The ranking comes as a bit of a surprise, as I’m sure it will to many fans.

The Chargers saw some turnover to their roster, letting go of notable players like Hunter Henry, Denzel Perryman, Rayshawn Jenkins, Casey Hayward, Trai Turner, Melvin Ingram, among others.

However, in correspondence, the team realized the offensive line has been the biggest issue the past few seasons and made the point to upgrade the unit, signing All-Pro center Corey Linsley, Matt Feiler and Oday Aboushi.

Offensively, Los Angeles will be led by rookie sensation Justin Herbert. With the line that’s in place and an eventual starting left tackle, and weapons around him; Keenan Allen, Austin Ekeler, Mike Williams and Jared Cook, he should be set up for sophomore success.

Defensively, Staley will have a solid group of pieces to work with, led by Derwin James, Joey Bosa, Michael Davis, Kenneth Murray, Drue Tranquill, Linval Joseph and Chris Harris Jr. Jerry Tillery, Uchenna Nwosu and Nasir Adderley are players primed to breakout.

If general manager Tom Telesco hits a home run in this year’s draft, you might be able to make the argument that L.A. has a top-10 roster heading into the 2021 campaign. If the group can stay healthy throughout the year, watch out.

As for the rest of the AFC West, the Chiefs sat near the top at No. 3. The Broncos were not far off from them at No. 6. The Raiders checked in at No. 28.

A look at Chargers’ cap space, remaining needs

Breaking down the Los Angeles Chargers’ roster moves, cap space and positions of need.

We are two weeks into NFL free agency, and the Chargers’ roster under head coach Brandon Staley is taking shape.

Here’s a look at Los Angeles’ roster moves:

Gained

OL Corey Linsley

OL Matt Feiler

OL Oday Aboushi

TE Jared Cook

OLB Kyler Fackrell

QB Chase Daniel

Retained

CB Michael Davis

CB Brandon Facyson

TE Stephen Anderson

Lost

TE Hunter Henry (Patriots)

LB Denzel Perryman (Panthers)

QB Tyrod Taylor (Texans)

OL Dan Feeney (Jets)

OT Sam Tevi (Colts)

DL Isaac Rochell (Colts)

LB Nick Vigil (Vikings)

OL Cole Toner (Texans)

L.A. roughly has $25.7 million in salary cap space, according to Over The Cap. This does not reflect the signing of QB Chase Daniel and re-signings of TE Stephen Anderson and CB Brandon Facyson.

What are the team’s remaining needs?

Left tackle

If the Chargers wish to get the most out of quarterback Justin Herbert, they need to protect him at all costs. At the moment, Trey Pipkins is penciled in as the starter. Pipkins, the team’s third-round pick of 2019, has shown flashes but he’s still quite a bit away from being relied on in that role. Los Angeles also has Storm Norton on the roster, but he I believe he is nothing more than a swing option.

Cornerback

One of the biggest priorities for L.A. was re-signing Michael Davis, which they took care of. But even after making the move, the team still has a void to fill after releasing Casey Hayward. The Bolts still have Chris Harris, Jr. as the other starter and even though they re-signed Brandon Facyson, I don’t think he’s ready to step in as a permanent starter. Given how vital the position is in Brandon Staley’s system, they need more talent.

Safety

After the loss of Rayshawn Jenkins, there are only three safeties on the roster: Derwin James, Nasir Adderley and Alohi Gilman. The Chargers might be banking on Staley maximizing Adderley’s skillset in 2021 after a rough sophomore season, but given the fact that Staley likes to roll with three-safety looks, the team will be looking to add another one or two.

Guard

Los Angeles found their two probable starters in Matt Feiler and Oday Aboushi. However, the depth behind them is practically nonexistent. For a team that has dealt with the injury bug up front, they could benefit from adding a couple to solidify the group for the upcoming season.

Interior defensive line

The Chargers have a solid foundation with Linval Joseph, Justin Jones and Jerry Tillery. While it’s not the most pressing need, Staley will look for guys that fit his mold, with that being explosive and versatile players with length. Cortez Broughton is a player that fits that shape, but look for them to upgrade.

Takeaways from Chargers first depth chart of 2020

The Los Angeles Chargers released their first initial depth chart ahead of the season opener against the Cincinnati Bengals.

The Chargers are days away from the start of the regular season against the Bengals.

Los Angeles released their first initial depth chart on Tuesday. Even though it’s subject to change at any given time, it’s unlikely it changes much before the opener on Sunday.

  • Jalen Guyton is listed as the No. 3 receiver, opposite of Mike Williams. If Williams can’t go on Sunday, I could see the team rolling with Jason Moore to fill the void. Moore has live game experience and he fits the mold from a physical standpoint.
  • Joshua Kelley is the No. 3 running back, even after he shined during training camp, and Justin Jackson missed a good chunk of time. While the team covets experience and familiarity, I expect Kelley to still get a decent amount of carries, given the change to a run-heavy offense. The back that produces more will get the bulk of carries as the season goes on.
  • On paper, Drue Tranquill is listed as the backup SAM linebacker to Kyzir White. But Tranquill worked as the starting WILL linebacker throughout camp. Meanwhile, rookie Kenneth Murray is penciled in as the starting WILL. This will likely change on the field, and we can expect to see a tandem of Murray and Tranquill the majority of the time with Denzel Perryman on obvious running plays.
  • Nasir Adderley and Rayshawn Jenkins are listed as the starting safeties, which means Jenkins could be slated to slide down to strong safety while Adderley plays the single-high role.
  • Desmond King is listed as both a cornerback and safety. It wouldn’t be surprising to see him get the bulk of the snaps as the team’s dimebacker.
  • Joe Reed is the starting kick returner, which is to be expected after the team released Darius Jennings. Meanwhile, King will resume his duties as the punt returner. If he struggles, rookie K.J. Hill will be next in line.

Chargers don’t make any waiver claims after roster cuts

The Los Angeles Chargers appear to be confident with their players after making roster cuts.

After NFL roster cuts, the Chargers elected to not claim any available players off waivers.

Los Angeles is looking pretty with their 53-man roster after cutdown day. However, the team could afford to add one more safety after the loss of Derwin James, who was placed on the injured reserve.

General manager Tom Telesco reiterated that they chose not to make any claims, signifying their confidence in the safeties that they have on the roster right now.

This isn’t to say the safety group of Rayshawn Jenkins, Nasir Adderley, Desmond King and Alohi Gilman isn’t reliable. But for the sake of depth, the Bolts could have added one with experience.

The most notable free agent safeties are Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, Tony Jefferson, among others. But for a team that covets scheme familiarity, I thought Jaylen Watkins and Jahleel Addae, who are both free agents, would’ve garnered attention.

Other positions that could afford to have depth added are at wide receiver and left tackle.

We will monitor to see if Los Angeles makes any roster moves ahead of the season opener against the Bengals.

Chargers announce 2020 practice squad

Find out who made the Los Angeles Chargers’ practice squad to start the 2020 season.

The Chargers announced the members of their practice squad on Sunday, agreeing to terms with the following players:

Linebacker Asmar Bilal

Running back Darius Bradwell

Cornerback John Brannon

Linebacker Cole Christiansen

Wide receiver Jeff Cotton

Nose tackle Breiden Fehoko

Guard Nate Gilliam

Guard Ryan Groy

Wide receiver Tyron Johnson

Defensive end Jessie Lemonier

Defensive back Quenton Meeks

Fullback Gabe Nabers

Defensive tackle TJ Smith

Center/guard Cole Toner

Cornerback Donte Vaughn

With the COVID-19 pandemic, practice squads can include up to 16 players in 2020. Six of those players may be veterans with no restrictions on service time.

Quick takeaways from the Chargers’ initial 53-man roster

Chargers Wire’s Gavino Borquez delivers his thoughts on the team’s initial 53-man roster for the 2020 season.

The Los Angeles Chargers released their initial 53-man roster on Saturday afternoon.

Here are some quick takeaways from things that stood out on the first roster:

  • The Chargers elected to not carry a fullback on the roster, even after coach Anthony Lynn said that there would be one to fill the void of Derek Watt. Gabe Nabers and Bobby Holly showed promise during camp, but instead, the team chose to release both of them. It’s likely at least one will end up on the practice squad.

 

  • The Chargers chose to roll with four tight ends, rather than three. Both Donald Parham and Stephen Anderson have a spot, joining Hunter Henry and Virgil Green. With the new offensive scheme, we could see a lot more two-three tight end sets, which could explain the decision to release both fullbacks, as they would have a similar role in the blocking department.

 

  • It was only a matter of time to see how the wide receiver room would shape up. Darius Jennings was one of the more surprising cuts. He was fighting for one of the final spots, but the team chose to roll with Jason Moore, who could fill in for Mike Williams if he is unable to play Week 1.

 

  • With Derwin James sent to the injured reserve, they have four safeties – Rayshawn Jenkins, Nasir Adderley, Desmond King and Alohi Gilman. I wouldn’t be surprised if they look to see a free agent for cheap for depth purposes, such as recently released Jaylen Watkins, who formerly played with the Bolts.

 

  • Tevaughn Campbell was the surprise player who made the 53-man roster. Campbell wasn’t a big-name player, but he has some experience on the active roster. The former CFL standout could provide depth in the secondary and a serviceable player on special teams.

Chargers announce initial 53-man roster for 2020 season

The Los Angeles Chargers cut 27 players to get their initial 53-man roster for the 2020 season.

The Los Angeles Chargers have announced their initial 53-man roster heading into the 2020 season, which kicks off next Sunday against the Bengals.

The Chargers can make additional roster moves in the coming days via waiver claims and free agent signings. They’ll also look to construct a 16-man practice squad, a six-player increase from previous seasons.

Breaking down the Bolts’ 53-man roster by position alphabetically:

Quarterbacks (3): Tyrod Taylor, Justin Herbert, Easton Stick

Running backs (3): Austin Ekeler, Joshua Kelley, Justin Jackson

Tight ends (4): Hunter Henry, Virgil Green, Donald Parham, Stephen Anderson

Wide receivers (6): Keenan Allen, Mike Williams, Jalen Guyton, Jason Moore, K.J. Hill, Joe Reed

Offensive linemen (10): Sam Tevi, Dan Feeney, Mike Pouncey, Trai Turner, Bryan Bulaga, Trey Pipkins, Forrest Lamp, Storm Norton, Scott Quessenberry, Tyree St. Louis

Defensive linemen (9): Joey Bosa, Melvin Ingram, Linval Joseph, Justin Jones, Jerry Tillery, Damion Square, Isaac Rochell, Cortez Broughton, Uchenna Nwosu

Linebackers (6): Denzel Perryman, Kenneth Murray, Drue Tranquill, Nick Vigil, Emeke Egbule, Kyzir White

Defensive backs (9): Rayshawn Jenkins, Nasir Adderley, Casey Hayward, Desmond King, Michael Davis, Chris Harris, Jr., Brandon Facyson, Alohi Gilman, Tevaughn Campbell

Specialists (3): Michael Badgley, Ty Long, Cole Mazza

Final Chargers 53-man roster projection heading into cuts

Chargers Wire’s Gavino Borquez takes a crack at projecting the 53-man roster for the Los Angeles Chargers.

NFL teams must cut their current rosters down to 53 by this Saturday at 1:00 PM PT.

Beginning this Sunday, teams can put together their 16-person practice squads (with COVID rules increasing that number this season). During game weeks this season, the active roster will grow to 55 players, and 48 dressing on game day, with the promotion of two practice squad players.

With that being said, here is my final 53-man roster projection for the Chargers:

Offense

Position Starter 2nd 3rd 4th
QB Tyrod Taylor Justin Herbert* Easton Stick
RB Austin Ekeler Justin Jackson Joshua Kelley*
FB Gabe Nabers
WR Keenan Allen K.J. Hill*
WR Mike Williams Darius Jennings
WR Jalen Guyton Joe Reed*
TE Hunter Henry Virgil Green Stephen Anderson
LT Sam Tevi Trey Pipkins
LG Dan Feeney Forrest Lamp
C Mike Pouncey Scott Quessenberry
RG Trai Turner Trent Scott
RT Bryan Bulaga Storm Norton

Defense

Position Starter 2nd 3rd 4th
LDE Joey Bosa Isaac Rochell
NT Linval Joseph Damion Square Cortez Broughton
DT Justin Jones Jerry Tillery
RDE Melvin Ingram Uchenna Nwosu
SAM Kyzir White Emeke Egbule
MIKE Kenneth Murray* Denzel Perryman
WILL Drue Tranquill Nick Vigil Malik Jefferson
CB Casey Hayward Brandon Facyson
CB Michael Davis
SLOT Chris Harris Jr. Desmond King
FS Nasir Adderley
SS Rayshawn Jenkins Alohi Gilman*

Special Teams

Position Starter 2nd 3rd 4th
PK Michael Badgley
P Ty Long
PR K.J. Hill*
KR Joe Reed* Darius Jennings
LS Cole Mazza

 

Chargers cut 6 players, get roster to 80 players prior to NFL deadline

A notable player was cut by the Los Angeles Chargers.

The Chargers cut bait with six players on Saturday, bringing their roster to 80 players.

Those players are as followed:

  • WR Andre Patton
  • DT P.J. Johnson
  • OT Koda Martin
  • TE Jared Rice
  • S Roderic Teamer
  • TE Andrew Vollert

Los Angeles could have started training camp with the traditional 90-man roster but needed to get down to 80 prior to the agreed-upon deadline of August 16 that the NFL and NFLPA settled in their negotiations for how the league will handle the COVID-19 pandemic.

By making cuts now, it gets the Bolts ahead of the pack, and also opening up the door for some of those waived players to find a new team ahead of the upcoming season.

Below is the official team statement:

The Los Angeles Chargers today announced the release of defensive tackle P.J. Johnson, tackle Koda Martin, wide receiver Andre Patton, tight end Jared Rice, safety Roderic Teamer and tight end Andrew Vollert. The moves bring the roster to 80 players for the start of training camp.

Johnson was a seventh-round selection by Detroit in the 2019 NFL Draft and finished the season on the Bolts’ practice squad.

Martin spent the 2019 season on injured reserve after signing as an undrafted rookie free agent.

Patton initially signed as an undrafted rookie free agent in 2017, spending two seasons on the practice squad before appearing in 13 games last year.

Rice was signed as an undrafted rookie free agent out of Fresno State this offseason.

Teamer, an undrafted rookie free agent, made the 53-man roster in 2019, playing in seven games.